Georgia tourism industry e-newsletter [Apr. 2017]

April 2017



This month, we have kicked the highlight on film tourism into high speed. Last week, we were in Tennessee, and this week I'm writing from Florida, where we're doing interviews with Tampa and Jacksonville TV morning shows, newspapers, magazines, blogger/influencers and travel writers. We've seen great interest from the writers and expect stories to run throughout the year. The trip is built to coincide with our broadcast ads, which are currently on air in these markets, as well. Working together, we have built a great plan focused on driving additional traffic to Georgia this summer and fall. It's great to see it start to unfold and see lots of travelers with Georgia on their minds!

Top News Items from Georgia Tourism
1. Look for 'The Excursion' with David Zelski on TV in September Georgia Tourism has teamed up with host David Zelski for a new travel show called "The Excursion" set to begin airing in September on Fox Sports South and Discovery's Destination America. In each episode, David explores Georgia on a set of adventures highlighting a particular region. From zip lines and rock climbs to explorations through oceans, rivers and mountains, David maps out a series of challenges that may or may not end with a luxurious and relaxing reward. For a peek at the show's format, visit the show's website, and follow along on Facebook for the latest updates.
2. TourGeorgiaFilm.com and GaCivilWar.org are now part of ExploreGeorgia.org At the end of March, both websites TourGeorgiaFilm and GaCivilWar were officially incorporated into ExploreGeorgia.org. Visitors to TourGeorgiaFilm are being redirected to ExploreGeorgia.org/Film, and visitors to GaCivilWar are being redirected to ExploreGeorgia.org/trip-ideas/civil-war. ExploreGeorgia.org, which had more than 5.8 million visits in fiscal year 2016, is now Georgia's one-stop source for film tourism and Civil War tourism information. Please continue posting your events, deals and attraction information through the ExploreGeorgia.org Partner Admin system at partner.exploregeorgia.org.
3. ExploreGeorgia.org launches a new Media Room The new ExploreGeorgia Media Room, opened for business! This is our first media room dedicated solely to travel media and will be used to frequently update journalists on tourism news in Georgia. It features story ideas, press releases and a media request page. Include Emily Murray, (emurray@georgia.org) on your press release distribution list so she can add your releases to the media room and share them. Very soon we will have an Explore Georgia PR Twitter page that will help us share news, information and pitches to media! Check out the Media Room!
4. Looking for new business? We've got leads! Georgia Tourism has been on the road attending trade shows and conferences promoting Georgia as a prime vacation destination. Domestic Business Development Manager Lacey Cameron meets with group tour buyer decision makers and collects strategic notes and contact detailsand posts them to MarketGeorgia.org. Review her notes from meetings at the American Bus Association, Educational Travel Consortium Global Conference, National Bus Association's Annual Travel Exchange, Travel South Domestic Showcase and more today!
5. Social media: Best practice guides for the major platforms Looking for some pointers on using social media to promote your business and events to Georgia travelers? Download Explore Georgia's best practice guides for Facebook (advertising, video, 360), Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest and more. Contact Katie Christof (kchristof@georgia.org) and Parker Whidby (pwhidbygeorgia.org) with any questions, or to invite them to present at your next meeting!
6. Georgia Tourism staff spotlight: Janet Cochran Recently promoted to Assistant Director of Tourism Product Development, managing the Tourism Project Manager (TPM) team, Janet Cochran also serves as the TPM for the Historic High Country region in northwest Georgia. Two cities in her region are hosting big events this month: Cartersville is hosting Travel Media Marketplace April 20-23, and Woodstock is hosting the RVIC Conference April 26-28. From world-class museums, outdoor adventures, awesome downtowns, events and film tours, the Historic High Country region has so much to show off to its visitors. Born in Florida, Janet moved to Georgia in 1984 and lives in Dalton/Tunnel Hill with her husband Hubert and their dog Cookie. Congratulate her on her new role at jcochran@georgia.org!
Mark your calendar for these upcoming tourism events
1. April 20-23: Travel Media Marketplace, Cartersville 2. April 21: Georgia on My Mind Day - Sylvania VIC 3. April 26-28: RVIC Conference, Woodstock 4. May 5: Georgia on My Mind Day - St. Marys 5. May 6: Georgia on My Mind Day - Plains 6. May 7-13: National Travel and Tourism Week 7. May 14-19: Southeast Tourism Society Marketing College, Dahlonega

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